Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic hold almost every notable Major record. However, one belongs to the former world no. 1 Jim Courier, although it could change this week! At 22 years, 10months and 18 days, Jim is the youngest player to reach the final at all four Majors.
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Jim accomplished that at Wimbledon 1993 while seeking his fifth Major crown. He fell to fellow American Pete Sampras but secured a record that still stands almost 32 years later. Carlos Alcaraz has a chance to take the record, and Courier backs the young gun to go for it!
Jim praised Carlos and his athleticism. The American would love to see the Spaniard break his record, backing him to achieve that this week or next year. Alcaraz is battling Novak Djokovic in the quarter-final in Melbourne.
The young gun made a name for himself at the 2022 US Open. Carlos lifted a trophy, becoming the first teenager with a Major crown since his idol, Rafael Nadal. Alcaraz showed his skills on grass in 2023, conquering Wimbledon at 20 and writing history books!
The Spaniard achieved a 'Channel Slam' last spring, winning Roland Garros and Wimbledon within five weeks! Carlos added the final in Paris to his collection, targeting the title clash at the Australian Open andseeking Courier's record.
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The young gun fell to Alexander Zverev in the quarter-final a year ago. He returned to the last eight during this year's campaign, beating four rivals and setting the clash against Novak Djokovic. Alcaraz ousted Alexander Shevchenko in the first round.
He dropped five games against Yoshihito Nishioka in the second round and faced Nuno Borges in the third. The Portuguese took a set, but the Spaniard sealed the deal in style, moving into the last 16. Carlos faced his good friend, Jack Draper.
The Briton passed three rivals in five sets and lost steam, struggling physically against world no. 3 and retiring in the second set. Alcaraz has to pass Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev en route to the final, which is never an easy task.
However, the 21-year-old is determined to add the missing piece to his Major puzzle and complete a Career Grand Slam at such a young age. One thing is certain. He will do everything to achieve it as soon as possible!
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"I believe Carlos will break my record. He has two chances to achieve it and become the youngest player with the final in all four Majors. Carlos has everything to accomplish that. His draw is very tough, but who can count him out?
Carlos is an amazing athlete and such a great kid for our sport," Jim Courier said.
